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Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

air fryer parmesan roasted cauliflower - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a cheesy parmesan crust, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams), broken into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower head. Cut into small, even florets about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
  3. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the oil and spices.
  5. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan over the cauliflower and toss gently to distribute the cheese.
  6. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Pause and use tongs to flip or shake the cauliflower for even browning.
  8. Return the basket and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until florets are golden, crispy, and tender.
  9. Check doneness; cauliflower should be browned on edges and crispy but not burnt.
  10. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry cauliflower thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Toss or shake cauliflower halfway through cooking for even browning. Freshly grated parmesan cheese crisps better than pre-grated. For extra crispiness, spray a light mist of olive oil halfway through cooking. If no air fryer is available, roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, turning halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, roasted cauliflower, parmesan, crispy cauliflower, easy side dish, low carb, gluten free